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Thinking of chartering in Europe? Important Information regarding required qualifications

THINKING OF CHARTERING IN EUROPE? MAKE SURE YOU ARE QUALIFIED.

IT IS WISE TO HOLD BOTH FLOTILLA SKIPPER (OR HIGHER) & THE ICC

In the past, if you were chartering in Europe, an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) may have been sufficient proof of your ability to safely operate a boat.

However, it has been brought to our attention that a number of European charter companies and insurance companies will not accept an ICC as sufficient proof to command a yacht for a one week bareboat charter (power or sail). These companies are insisting that the charterer should hold an IYT International Flotilla Skipper or IYT International Bareboat Skipper, power or sail (or equivalent qualification that is on their “approved” list).

The charter companies and insurance companies do not have a comfort level handing over an expensive yacht to someone who they feel is not sufficiently qualified to command it for a weeks duration.

Some customers have had their charters cancelled because they have only held an ICC.

It is imperative that you check with your charter company in advance of your charter to make sure that you hold the required qualifications.

However, we have recently been advised that some charter companies in Greece are rejecting the IYT International Flotilla and/or Bareboat Skipper as it notes the restriction of “daylight hours”. This restriction is applied as charter companies do not allow their boats to be operated after sundown. Chartered boats are expected to be at dock or anchored by sundown.

The charter companies’ response has been to insist on an ICC which does not state this restriction.

So, bottom line, we recommend holding both Flotilla Skipper or higher as well as the ICC to avoid any issues when chartering.